Abstract: Computerized apparatus and methods useful for authentication and/or handling and tracking of users and objects such as e.g., items being shipped or baggage associated with a user during travel. In one embodiment, a computerized apparatus located at a departure location (e.g., a kiosk) includes digital imaging and scanning apparatus to enable biometric user authentication, imaging of chattel associated with the user, as well as networked access to a computerized travel reservation system, so as to enable authentication of the user (and/or the item being shipped) as well as other aspects of the shipment transaction. The kiosk may further enable computerized control and operation of an item shipment receptable so as to allow or deny access based on the authentication processing.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus and methods useful for causing provision of location-based services to users via a user portable wireless computerized device or other device. In one embodiment, the user device establishes a secure communication session with a network server (e.g., proxy process for a service coordinator or provider) to provide user-specific location-based services such as a time-limited rental of a tangible object or space. In one variant, dynamic generation of a response to the user included providing image data relating to provision of the user-specific location-based service, the image data enabling the user to authenticate at least one aspect of the provision of the user-specific location-based service by the third party service provider.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a video apparatus with image capture and digitization capability, and multiple wireless interfaces for accomplishing various purposes, including e.g., streaming the digitized video data to another device for viewing and/or storage thereon. In one variant, one of the wireless interfaces is a short range passive RFID-based interface which generates replies to interrogation signals, the replies including user-specific information.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus useful within vehicles for causing provision of location-based services to users via a portable wireless computerized device. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a global positioning system (GPS) based receiver capable of providing location data to the computerized apparatus.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus and methods. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a sensor and processor with associate storage device(s). In one variant, the apparatus includes data relating to one or more templates associated with various physiological artifacts. The apparatus is configured in this variant to utilize the data to evaluate data collected by the sensor to enable, for example, filtering of data for transmission over a wireless interface of the apparatus.

Abstract: An endoscopic apparatus including a probe which is introduced into, for example, the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates therein, adapted to perform one or more functions. In one embodiment, the probe communicates wirelessly with a portable electronic device outside the organism, the portable device which acts to relay data between the probe and a remote networked entity. In one variant, the probe includes an accelerometer to, for example, wake the probe up from a sleep mode when the organism is awake or ambulatory.

Abstract: Computerized apparatus useful within vehicles for causing provision of location-based services to users via a portable wireless computerized device. In one embodiment, the vehicle comprises a global positioning system (GPS) based receiver capable of providing location data to the computerized apparatus.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes an ingestible (e.g., swallowable) computerized device that includes a video apparatus, digital processor apparatus, and a wireless interface. A non-ingestible portion of the system communicates with the ingestible device via the wireless interface and, using computer software and algorithms, processes video data generated by the ingestible device relating to the intestinal tract of a living subject, so as to enhance the speed and/or accuracy of review by a physician or other individual. In one variant, the algorithmic processing by the non-ingestible apparatus includes one or more of: (i) color intensity analysis; (ii) artifact shape analysis; and/or (iii) inter-frame similarity analysis. In another variant, the ingestible device is configured to compress the data using the processor apparatus prior to transmission over the interface to conserve wireless bandwidth.

Abstract: Computerized information acquisition and processing apparatus for use in endoscopic analysis. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a swallowable apparatus having a digital processor apparatus and video apparatus with image capture and digitization capability, and a wireless interface for accomplishing various purposes, including e.g., transferring the digital image data to a second computerized apparatus having various algorithmic analysis functions operative thereon, including for example pixel intensity analysis, shape recognition, and preview functions, so as to enhance efficiency of the review process. In another embodiment, portions of the algorithmic analysis (and other functions) are performed by the digital processor apparatus on the swallowable apparatus, including selective deletion or omission of data prior to transmission.

Abstract: Computerized information processing methods for processing data from a medical device, such as an ingestible probe. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data obtained by the probe so as to produce a plurality of image frames, and further processing the frames to identify a plurality of frames of potential interest to a reviewer, and using the identified frames to form a preview of the entire data set. In one implementation, the processing of the data includes identification of one or more artifacts or shapes within the data associated with a medical condition, and selection of the frames for the preview includes those frames with the identified artifacts or shapes.

Abstract: An improved device which is introduced into the intestinal tract of a living organism and which operates autonomously therein, adapted to deliver one or more therapeutic agents. In one embodiment, the probe communicates wirelessly with a portable electronic device outside the organism in order to receive commands to deliver the therapeutic agent, or perform other functions while the probe is within the intestinal tract.

Abstract: Computerized information processing methods for processing data from a medical device, such as an ingestible probe. In one embodiment, the method includes processing data obtained by the probe so as to produce a plurality of image frames, and further processing the frames to identify a plurality of frames of potential interest to a reviewer based on at least an evaluation of portions of the frame(s) such as pixels or groups of pixels, and using the identified frames to form a preview of the entire data set. In one implementation, the processing of the data includes processing of pixel intensity and/or color (which can be correlated to various physiologic conditions) to help identify the frames of potential interest.

Abstract: Computerized methods useful for causing provision of user-specific services via one or more data network apparatus and user mobile device. In one embodiment, the method includes receiving user-specific location data (e.g., relating to a destination of travel or shipping desired by the user) from the user's mobile device via an electronic network proxy agent that acts as a proxy for multiple different users simultaneously, and automatically forwarding that received data to another computerized device to enable provision of the service relating to that user and location. In one variant, the user mobile device and the network proxy agent establish a secure session to facilitate transfer of the data to a network address or device specified in a secure user-specific account accessible to the proxy agent. In another variant, the mobile device interfaces with a kiosk at a point of departure to transfer the data.

Abstract: A computerized information and display apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor apparatus, touch screen input and display device, and speech input apparatus, and at least one computer program configured to run on the processor apparatus, the at least one program being configured to enable an user to intuitively operate the apparatus to rapidly converge on a desired organization or entity which they wish to locate, via speech input of only a name or a part of a name. The information and display apparatus is particularly useful in time-pressured mobile transport vehicle environments, and when the user is unfamiliar with the operation of the apparatus.

Abstract: A computerized information apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor apparatus, and first wireless interface, radio frequency apparatus, and at least one computer program configured to run on the processor apparatus, the at least one program being configured to enable functions within a transport device including remote control of environment functions (e.g., HVAC, lighting, imagery capture) based on authentication of a user carrying a portable radio frequency device.

Abstract: A computerized information apparatus useful for providing information to a user via a display. In one embodiment, the apparatus comprises a processor apparatus, and speech input apparatus, touch screen input and display apparatus, and at least one computer program configured to run on the processor apparatus, the at least one program being configured to provide a user with contextually relevant content without an affirmative request for such content, but rather based on context divined from one or more “free form” words spoken by the user, whether while searching for information or otherwise. In one variant, the context determination is performed by a remote networked server after having been provided digitized speech samples via wireless interface. In another variant, the context is determined based on soft function key inputs from the user while requesting information. A virtual database structure enabling rapid context determination is also disclosed.

Abstract: Methods useful for processing shipping elements such as boxes, envelopes, and transport devices during transfer. In one embodiment, the shipping element contains an item being shipped by a user, and the method includes providing the user access to a computerized user interface by which at least information relating to the shipping element can be remotely obtained by the user. During at least one point during shipping, the shipping element is evaluated with respect to at least one physical parameter, and the user is informed via the user interface as to a status or condition of the at least one physical parameter. In another embodiment, a radio-frequency device is inserted into the shipping element along with a user item to be shipped, and the device is used as a basis for the remote provision of information relating to the shipping element during at least a portion of the shipping.

Abstract: Methods of causing transport of one or more items between two or more locations using computerized apparatus. In one embodiment, the one or more items comprise one or more pieces of luggage of a user which are shipped from a transportation facility such as an airport via user-instigated actions at a kiosk located within the facility. In one variant, user information is provided to the kiosk via a personal electronic device of the user (e.g., provided wirelessly via a smartphone), and the kiosk accesses a travel reservation system to obtain information about the routing of the luggage.

Abstract: Apparatus useful for obtaining and displaying information. In one embodiment, the apparatus includes a network interface, display device, and speech recognition apparatus configured to receive user speech input and enable performance of various tasks via a remote entity, such as obtaining desired information relating to directions, sports, finance, weather, or any number of other topics. The downloaded may also, in one variant, be transmitted to a personal user device, such as via a data interface.

Abstract: A computerized apparatus useful for causing transfer of items (tangible or otherwise) from at least one location to another. In one embodiment, the apparatus is a portable user-operated apparatus having at least one input device enabled to receive input identifying the item(s) to be transferred, and a wireless interface to interface with a nearby computer system (e.g., desktop computer, kiosk, or other device) to cause the computer system to invoke the transfer via a remote entity. In one variant, the transfer involves inputting barcode data via the portable device, and resultant shipment of consumable items to the user's location. In another variant, the transfer is an electronic transfer of a data structure such as an MP3 music file.